The Best Full Face Helmets for 2021
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 400+ Helmets Since 2000
Entry-Level
Priced under $300, these helmets are ideal for new riders or value-conscious shoppers.
Mid-Range
Priced $300-$500, these helmets are feature rich and offer excellent protection.
High-End
Priced $500 and up. Simply the best of what is available in the full face segment.
A note about our recommendations:
There’s a lot of fake “review sites” online today. We get it. We aren’t one of them. Founded in 2000, the team at wBW has extensively tested more than 2,500 pieces of gear. Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We extensively and exhaustively test gear. We do not fluff reviews. Read our review policies.
Priced under $300
Best Entry Level Full Face Helmets
Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS
Price: $279
Where to Buy
Why?
While the Qualifier DLX has been a favorite of the entry-level market for years, Bell has improved it for 2021 with the addition of a Multi-dimensional Impact Protection System, or MIPS. This safety feature allows for rotational energy from impacts to be displaced away from the neck and head of the rider, decreasing injury rates. When you add a safety feature that originated in MotoGP to an already best-selling entry-level helmet, you have a sure-fire winner of a helmet!
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.57lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
While we haven’t actually tested the Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS, we have had the opportunity in previous years to review the Qualifier DLX without the MIPS added in. Read the full review here.
HJC i10
Price: $159
Where to Buy
Why?
This sub-$200 helmet may look unassuming, but don’t let that fool you. Using all the data and design learned from making full-on MotoGP and WSBK helmets, HJC has tossed what isn’t necessary, and made a value helmet that matches the safety ratings of multiple $500+ helmets. In fact, this helmet has so much boiled down racing technology applied to it that it is both DOT and SNELL M2020 certified, meaning it is approved for track use in the USA.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: Intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.88 lbs
- DOT & SNELL M2020 certified
Our In-Depth Review
While we don’t have a full review done quite yet, watch this space as we are sure to give the helmet one of our trademark 100% honest, real-world-use reviews this summer!
Icon Airflite
Price: $250
Where to Buy
Why?
This lid is an excellent affordable helmet with numerous features, a comfortable fit, and a very reasonable price. The helmet features a very large and oddly shaped face shield that you can get in a variety of colors.
The Airflite also gets a polycarbonate shell that comes in three different sizes, large air vents, a fog-free inner sun visor, removable side plates, a molded breath deflector, chin curtain, and a Hydradry moisture-wicking liner that’s removable and washable.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.74 lbs
- DOT certified
In-Depth Review
Kathy was able to review this helmet and she came away impressed with the lid. It’s a lid that kind of defies expectation. It also doesn’t fit into a specific style of riding easily. Kathy found it to be comfortable and high-quality. However, she did note that the lid is a little heavier than some other options out there and the chin bar is just a little bigger overall than the other lids out there. Otherwise, if you like to look, this is a fantastic choice.
Priced $300 – $500
Best Mid-Range Full Face Helmets
AGV K6
Price: $449.95
Where to Buy
Why?
I decided to drop the Schuberth R2 from this list due to limited availability and replace it with a much better overall helmet anyway. The AGV K6 is a force to be reckoned with, and I’ll explain why.
Have a carbon fiber helmet option in the sub $500 price range is one thing, but having a full face DOT and ECE approved helmet come in under 3 pounds is just insane. This helmet, despite its wickedly rigid construction, manages to tip the scales at a meager 2.95 lb. That’s lighter than some of the best open-faced helmets available.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.69 lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
Coming Q2 2021!
HJC RPHA70
Price: $375
Where to Buy
Why?
The RPHA70 is HJC’s latest offering in the mid-range segment and it definitely punches above its weight (and price). It brings a lot of value, with an included anti-fog insert, an integrated sunshade, and excellent ventilation. It’s hard to beat a combination like that.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.4lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
Made in Korea, this HJC was reviewed hands-on by Brandon back in January of 2018. He loved how smooth the visor controls were and how freely it flowed air. Fit and finish was also impressive, though he noted that he wished accessing the lower vent was less of a hassle. Read the full review.
Shoei RF-SR
Price: $419
Where to Buy
Why?
The RF-SR was made with quiet and comfortable riding in mind. Just look at the shell design; sleek and line-free for aerodynamic greatness developed through tons of wind-tunnel testing.
This is the cheapest price point you will ever find a Shoei helmet at, and despite being a cheaper alternative to the RF-1200, you won’t be missing out on much. It’s quiet, safe, and even features replaceable cheek pads so you can get the perfect fit for you.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.66 lbs
- DOT and SNELL M2015 certified
Our In-Depth Review
Rick gave one of the deepest reviews we’ve ever seen posted to the WBW blog regarding the Shoei RF-SR. He said, “The Shoei RF-SR is an excellent introduction to the Shoei family. It has just about everything you need and nothing you don’t, making it difficult to pay more and get, well, just a little more.” Read the full review here.
Priced $500+
Best High-End Full Face Helmets
Shoei GT-Air II
Where to Buy
Price: $599
Why?
Considered by many to be the “ultimate” all-arounder, the GT-Air II is an extremely aerodynamic helmet affords wearers excellent airflow and road-noise management. As we have come to expect from Shoei, the quality of build is second-to-none. This is the high-end helmet to buy.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.8lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
The GT Air II is the ideal sequel to the renowned GT Air, and when paired with the SENA SRL2, the GT Air II becomes a capable and connected helmet. The GT Air II is quiet and feature-rich, proving once again that Shoei makes some of the best helmets in the business. Read the complete Shoei GT Air II review.
Shoei RF1400
Where to Buy
Price: $529
Why?
After 8 years of dominance, the venerable RF1200 has finally been discontinued. However, its replacement, the RF1400, evolves the helmet into an absolute weapon for both the track and the street. Improved padding and liner, a new form of weaving the glass fibers and organic fibers for the shell to make it the lightest yet most elastic shell Shoei has ever made, and an entirely new visor baseplate system that allows for 10-second visor replacements when needed. There was a reason that the RF1200 reigned supreme all those years, and we can see the RF1400 stepping up to that same throne.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.62 lbs
- DOT and SNELL M2020 certified
Our In-Depth Review
Jim was able to spend quite some time on the road wearing one of the first RF1400’s sent out to reviewers in December of 2020. He raved about the field of vision, the quality of the ventilation, and the fact that the noise isolation in the helmet is superior to pretty much anything out there. Read the full review here!
Arai Signet-X
Price: $699
Where to Buy
Why?
If you’ve got a narrow (long oval) head shape, this is the helmet to wear. It has the signature Arai fit as well as the handmade quality that can only come from something artisan-made. Exceptional heat management comes standard, as does a clear Pinlock insert for fog control. A slightly modified version was released in mid-2020, which included a new fiberglass weave as well as passing the new SNELL M2020 certification tests
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: long oval
- Weight: 3.53 lbs
- DOT & SNELL M2020 certified
Our In-Depth Review
The Arai Signet-X is the answer for riders with “Narrow” head shapes and it brings all of the new Arai “X” features to their “Long Oval” head shape helmet, completing the triumvirate. Read the full 3,000+ word review.
Arai Regent-X
Price: $559.95
Where to Buy
Why?
The helmet features a PB-cLc shell that comes in four sizes. The shell’s shape is rounded—an Arai trick that’s designed to allow things to glance off the helmet. The lid also gets multi-layer EPS, good ventilation, an anti-microbial liner that is removable and washable, Snell certification, and a wider opening to make the helmet a little easier to get on and take off (a big complaint of other Arai lids from some folks).
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.41lbs
- DOT & SNELL M2020 certified
Our In-Depth Review
Coming Q2 2021!
